TEST CRICKET

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23117, 16 August 1938, Page 9

TEST CRICKET

ENGLAND'S TEAM 14 PLAYERS NAMED THREE TO BE DROPPED OMISSION OF MfrNETT By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright LONDON, August 14 The team to represent England in the fifth and final cricket test match against Australia at the Oval, commencing next Saturday, will be chosen from the following 14 players:— W. R. Hammond (Gloucester). K. Fames (Essex). M. Ley land (Yorkshire). H. Verity (Yorkshire). W. K. Howes (Yorkshire). L. Button (Yorkshire). E. Paynter (Lancashire). L. E. G. Amos (Kent). A. Fagg (Kent). D. C. S. Compton (Middlesex). W. J. Edrifh (Middlesex). T. W. Goddard (Gloucester).' J. Hardstaff (Notts). D. V. P. Wright (Kent).

The Australian Associated Press says the nomination of 14 players.' instead of 13, as in the previous test matches, indicates the selectors' dilemma over which batsman to drop. Barnett, since his brilliant, if lucky, century in the first tost, has achieved little. His omission is not surprising, but the retention of Edrich, who has also failed, shows that the present committee is a firmer believer in youth than its predecessors. It is difficult to suggest the most probable eleven. The only certainties appear to be Hammond, Ames, Fames, Paynter, Levland and Hntton, although Verity and Wright are almost sure to play. This leaves two batsmen and one bowler to be chosen from the remainder.

Some surprise will be caused by the omission of the hard-hitting Barnett and the retention of Edrich, although the latter may not make the final eleven. Fagg lias been performing brilliantly in county cricket and has fully earned consideration, while pleasure will be felt at the re-appearance of M. Leyland, who has rendered England great service in previous test series. It would seem that England is intent on bolstering its batting talent in view of the fact that the coming test will be played to a finish. With Ames fit once again, it was obvious that Price would have to forfeit his place, in spite of the latter's fine wicketkeeping exhibition in the fourth test. Ames' ability with the bat makes liim an equally valuable choice either from a wicket" keeping or batting point of view. Although the state of the weather just prior to the commencement of thd match will influence the English selectors in their final choice, the players who will probably be omitted are Goddard, Hardstaff and Edrich.